Well I pulled my Classic EQ out as I think it might be faulty, I have a john east now which is just like the pre eb 2 band and that is the same essentially as all 2 eq Rays, this is my 3rd 2 band ray now. It is definitely harder to get a 2 band in the live mix but I'd say better than a 3 when you get it right. I start off with bass at just over half or maybe 3/4 with a big enough amp to take it, then I use the treble as a tone pot, reggae-off, fingers-half, pick or fingers country/blues- 1/4 etc. If you are still having trouble cut the bass a bit rather than boosting the treble, over time you will find that you know where the treble should be for your desired sound and amp setup, after that you will get a feel for where the bass can be set to each venue. If I know a venue is crap for live sound I take my ceramic equipped 3 band Ray and put it in series or single coil mode!